Neroli (organic)

Neroli, petitgrain and orange flower absolute all come from one tree, the bitter orange. Neroli is the steam-distilled oil of the blossom alone. Petitgrain is distilled from leaves and twigs, and the absolute is solvent-extracted from the flowers. The three are not interchangeable in a formula.

01 · Origin

Citrus aurantium var. amara belongs to the rue family, Rutaceae. This oil is distilled in Morocco from the blossoms of certified organic orchards. Bitter orange has been grown around the Mediterranean for centuries, both for its flowers and as rootstock for other citrus.

02 · Chemistry

Linalool leads, with limonene and beta-pinene close behind. Trans-beta-ocimene adds a green lift; linalyl acetate softens the edge. The water left after distillation retains a share of the more soluble components and is known separately as orange flower water.

03 · In Practice

Bright, floral and faintly bitter, with a green citrus top. A top-to-heart note in natural perfumery and a classical component of eau de cologne. Diffusion, facial oils, massage blends and olfactory study. Comparison with Petitgrain Bigarade (No. 2450) places leaf and flower of one tree side by side. Blends with bergamot, rose, jasmine, sandalwood, lavender and frankincense.

General information: For external use only. Dilute before applying to skin. Keep away from heat and sunlight. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.